Walsall striker Alex Nicholls sets goal target

Alex Nicholls today revealed his goal target and admitted Walsall's hitmen have failed in their striking duties.

The forward wants to hit double figures for the first time in his career and shoot the Saddlers away from danger.

They are the third-lowest scorers in League One – with 26 in 27 games – and six-goal Nicholls is prepared to shoulder the goalscoring burden.

"I'm looking at double figures, a minimum of 10 goals, and if I fall short I'll be absolutely gutted," he said. "I've got six now and if you look at the games I've started it's about 15 or 16 all in. If I do that again then I've got to be looking at 10 minimum.

"I still don't feel we're struggling but the position doesn't lie so double figures for a striker in our position in the league would be a good achievement.

"It would be nice to nick a few goals I don't have to work for. I've always been told I seem to have to make my own goals. I never get goals which are dropping to me – free ones. I don't know if that's a bit of anticipation or know-how but I'd like a few easy tap ins. It's about being in the right place at the right time but that comes with timing. It's coming and I want to score as many as I can."

But, despite his pledge, Nicholls wants extra competition at the Banks's Stadium with boss Dean Smith hunting loan strikers.

The 24-year-old admitted the current crop need help in their battle against the drop.

He said: "We haven't really created enough – nothing on Saturday (a 1-1 draw at Carlisle) as a team – Buts (Andy Butler) hit the post and had a few half chances from distance so we do need a boost.

"Bo (George Bowerman) and Jarvs (Ryan Jarvis) came on they were both excellent and ran their socks off when they came on.

"They looked to give us freshness but that's what we need – a little freshen up – and we won't be far away at all."

Nicholls' best goal haul was six in 2008/09 and boss Smith believes he is becoming more prolific.

He said: "It's coming. I see it in training and he's a better finisher now than what he was last year. He'll take more confidence with each goal he gets."

By Nick Mashiter